AFC West Podcast Preview

The podcast tour makes a stop in the AFC West today, where Ryan and I wonder if the Chargers can regain their rightful spot as the best team in the division.

Oh yes, we also talk about the division champion Chiefs and their ability to overcome the loss of Charlie Weis, who left the team for Florida. We debate the upgrades they made and whether or not they have a shot at repeating. We also talk -- surprise, surprise! -- about Tim Tebow, Kyle Orton and the Broncos.

Oh yes -- life in Oakland after Nnamdi Asomugha! Per usual, we rank the quarterbacks, make our predictions for the division finish and guess the over/unders on games won for each team.

AFC West Podcast Preview

I listened to this entire podcast. Where was the analysis to back up the opinions? Any real analysis will break down the strengths and weaknesses of each team (unit by unit would be a good start) from last year. Analyze the key additions/losses (draft, free agency, improvements of young players, declines by older players), coaching additions/losses and their impact on scheme, continuity, etc. They did analyze the Chiefs schedule a bit but that was about it (the first few games is not enough for the other teams). Anyway....

The AFC West is won by the first team to 10 - 6. The Chargers and the Raiders have the best shot at 10 -6 (in that order). SD still has issues in the offensive running game, but they have probably fixed their ST issues. And the SD pass offense will be lethal and their pass D is pretty good. Oakland has OL issues in the pass game and CB depth issues, but should be improved in stopping the run this year. And Campbell looks more posided in year 2 of an offense for the 1st time in his career. KC has a murdeorous schedule (and I think they have actually improved this year over last year), and they have OL issues in the pass game and stopping the run game on D. KC has a stretch of 5 - 6 games where they will most likely be underdogs. Denver is really bad and I can see them as one of the 3 worst teams in all of the NFL.

If I had to bet this would be my expected order of finish.

SD - 10- 6

Oak - 9 - 7

KC - 7 - 9

Den - 3 - 13

Since: Apr 7, 2010

Posted on: August 13, 2011 12:28 pm

AFC West Podcast Preview

Thank you for responding. Awesome of you to take the time to do so.

It's pretty easy to get rolling on Tebow. I think you guys said it best. You love him or hate him. I thought he looked a little like a deer caught in headlights in Dallas.

In regard to the defense, I think you're right about the Broncos DL. It'll still largely consist of guys like McBean. I'd hate to call it garbage, but yeah, its pretty bad. Dumervil should be playing DE, though. Which he's bulked up for, and claims will be a better fit for him. Nate Irving should make an impact right away. I think Ayers is a dark horse rising star.

The thing is, you instantly get better on defense when you have pass rush. Less time in the pocket for aposing QBs will certainly help out an aging secondary.

Anyway, no apologies necessary, and thank you. Should be a wild west show again. You just never know what you're going to get in the AFC West anymore. I wouldn't be any more shocked if all four teams were over 8-8, then under.

Since: Aug 13, 2011

Posted on: August 13, 2011 12:01 pm

AFC West Podcast Preview

AFC West Predictions

Raiders 10-6Chargers 9-7Chiefs 7-9Broncos 4-12

Since: Dec 5, 2006

Posted on: August 13, 2011 11:40 am

AFC West Podcast Preview

Nice podcast guys. Thoughtful and well informed. Jordan Todman will be an impact player for the Chargers this season and I believe he will help get Ryan Mathews over the 1,000 yard mark. Watch out for Tolbert again if Mathews gets hurt (please dont get hurt Ryan). This is a terrific trio of RBs who all bring something different to the table. Hester is a good FB too and will be a big part of the special teams' rebuild from last season. Bryan Walters. I cannot say enough about this guy. A graduate of the Div 1 powerhouse Cornell, he has spent 1 year on the Chargers practice squad. He has had a fantastic pre-season: (shoulda thrown him the ball at the end of the game Tolzien - he was open in the flat 2 yards into the end zone) catching nearly every pass in practice and returning a kickoff for a TD against Seattle. The guy may not have the physical gifts, size and speed of a VJ or Floyd, but he has it where it counts - passion and commitment to the game. He will give you 110% every time he hits the field. I would make room for him as the 6th WR - special teams - coverage and returns. Nice to see the Bolts re-signed Stephen Cooper. I was a little surprised that they let Kevin Burnett go, but the move to retain Coop helps with chemistry and veteran leadership. As long as Phillips, Cooper, Spikes and Larry English become a cohesive group during the pre-season, the Chargers should be a contender for the #1 defense in the NFL again.

I am going to start a petition to get Bryan Walters on the Chargers 53 man roster. Right now. C'mon everyone. Let Norv and AJ hear it!

Here is my obviously unbiased prediction ()= everyone either wins or loses one they should not have.

AFC West Podcast Preview

I don't know how it happened, we just got rolling on Tebow and couldn't stop.

And I don't think the DL will be improved, but I DO think they have the makings of a very stout LB corps. Miller's a great pass-rusher and Nate Irving's a superb run-stopper.

Apologies for getting sucked in.

--BRINSON

Since: Sep 11, 2009

Posted on: August 13, 2011 4:53 am

AFC West Podcast Preview

Raiders 11-5Chargers 10-6Chiefs 8-8Broncos 6-10

Since: Aug 12, 2011

Posted on: August 12, 2011 11:47 pm

AFC West Podcast Preview

how come you talk about the chiefs having a easy schedule they play the same teams as the other teams in the west

Since: Apr 7, 2010

Posted on: August 12, 2011 8:34 pm

AFC West Podcast Preview

Just wanted to let you know, Im a little disapointed that you didn't cover anything aside from the QB position in Denver. I think the defense has a real chance of being vastly improved, with Ayers improving constantly, Dumervil returning, and the addition of Von Miller, all under John Fox. A little silly that you breezed right over it, for another chance to bash Tebow. You guys ask, "how is Tebow-mania happening?" Perhaps stop talking about the 2nd and 3rd string QB situation, and focus on a little of everything else, and we can all let the Tebow thing go. There are MUCH more important things going on in Denver.